Future of village's lost pub rouses passions (From Warrington Guardian)

Future of village's lost pub rouses passions

MYSTERY surrounds the future of a pub in Lower Whitley after the shutters were put up.

The Millstone Inn, on Grimsditch Lane in the village, was sold back in December and rumours have been rife about what could be housed in the building or on the land.

But no planning applications have been submitted for the site.

One source claimed the site could be developed for houses but with the building dating back to the early 1800s, it seems unlikely that planning permission for homes could be gained.

Another claim is that it could be reopened as an upmarket restaurant.

More likely would be for the existing building to be renovated and reopened as a pub.

The previous tenants, Sue and Peter Bradshaw, sold the building back to the Kent-based owners London and Edinburgh in December.

Mrs Bradshaw said: "It was sold on as a private development."

She added that she believed it would be almost impossible for the developer to use the building for anything other than a pub or restaurant.

The couple also own the Riverside Inn on Chester Road in Warrington.

The Millstone Inn was popular among walkers and locals and has been named in many good pub guides.

A meeting of Whitley Parish Council was taking place as the Guardian went to press where the issue could have been discussed.